Known as the Baron of Park Avenue, Austrian-born New York businessman Max Hoffman was almost singlehandedly responsible for the flood of European cars that hit postwar America, including vehicles from Volkswagen, Porsche, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes Benz. In fact, Hoffman was responsible for the creation of the 300SL Gullwing coupe, the demand for which was the result of the racing 300SL’s race successes that included the Mille Miglia, Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. Hoffman was sensitive to American tastes for racier, less expensive imports as well as the high dollar machinery, and Mercedes-Benz answered his request for such a stable mate to the 1955 Gullwing with the 190SL convertible, which debuted alongside the Gullwing at the New York Motor Show on February 6, 1954. The 190SL shared most of the distinctive styling cues that set the 300SL apart from Mercedes-Benz’s more staid passenger cars, presenting smoothly rounded contours and eschewing the very formal front radiator grille for a much cleaner-looking horizontal rectangular opening. While lacking the 300SL’s power, the 190SL was a balanced performer with a sophisticated new OHC 4-cylinder engine, all-independent suspension and racing-inspired drum brakes with finned aluminum drums. The solidly engineered and beautifully built 190SL also boasted a superb environment for driver and passenger with immaculate upholstery and detailing. Delivered new to New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 25, 1957 and owned by an Oklahoma businessman for three decades, this 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster is succinctly described by the consignor as “gorgeous!” The subject of a ground-up restoration on an excellently preserved example that now shows 43,637 believed-actual miles, it is powered by a 1.9L/120 HP 4-cylinder with floor-shifted 4-speed transmission and finished as original in White with a matching hardtop, Black soft top and the original Red leather interior.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Same owner for three decades
- Believed to be 43,637 actual miles title states exempt
- Professional ground-up restoration finished in May 2013
- 1897cc engine with 120 HP
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Both Black soft top and White hardtop
- Original German Red leather interior
- Radio and clock
- Chassis #7502817
- Body #A121040-7501230
- Engine #7502807
- Unload Date 11/25/1957 in New Orleans, LA

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